In Memoriam

I’m not familiar with Anthony Minghella’s work, but I was still shocked to learn of his much-too-early death. Minghella, best known for The English Patient (which earned him an Academy Award for best director), Cold Mountain, and The Talented Mr. Ripley, reportedly died of a hemorrhage after undergoing routine surgery. The writer-director had been at work on an adaptation of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency for British television, which was scheduled to air this week. Minghella was 54.

Also passing away this week: English actor Paul Scofield, of leukemia. Though he spent far more time on stage than on screen, he’s probably most famous for his Oscar-winning role as Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons, and also played parts in Kenneth Branagh’s Henry the V and Robert Redford’s Quiz Show. Scofield was 86.